Oppenheimer New Filmmaker Grant Program

Oppenheimer Cine Rental has been renting a 16 and 35mm motion picture cameras and related equipment for over twenty-seven years from our location in Seattle. Over the years we have watched new filmmakers struggle to turn their film ideas into reality. We are now able to do more to encourage and support these new filmmakers than we have before. With this commitment, we introduce our New Filmmaker Equipment Grant Program.

What is the program?

The Oppenheimer Cine Rental New Filmmaker Equipment
Grant Program is a grant to support new filmmakers in producing their
first serious film project. The grant awards the use of our Grant
Program Arriflex 16SR2 camera package to senior and graduate thesis
students and to independent filmmakers for a scheduled period of time.
This specific package, which we have set aside for the grant program,
should meet the needs of most 16mm projects. Proposed projects may be
of any non-commercial nature: dramatic, narrative, documentary,
experimental, etc. Our expectation is that you are working from your
own vision, your own creativity and not for someone else (solely for a
profit motive). The program does not support commercials, industrials,
PSA's, music videos, or pornography. In order to keep the package
available for the largest number of filmmakers, feature length film
projects will not be considered. The length of time the equipment will
be available to any one project will depend on each project and on the
pressures of the program. You should plan your schedule realistically.
Practically, most grant projects will be expected to use the package
for one to two weeks. We have only one Arri 16SR2 camera in the
program; your compliance with the program requirements assures access
for the most filmmakers.

This is the complete package we have made available for
the New Filmmaker Equipment Grant Program. Additional equipment may be
rented at reduced rates from Oppenheimer Cine Rental. No other
equipment is available through the grant program! Grant equipment
cannot be taken outside of the United States.

How does the grant program work?

For your project to be considered for the Oppenheimer
Cine Rental New Filmmaker Equipment Grant Program, you will need to
submit a proposal. There is no form or set application packet but in
order for us to assess your project you must supply the following
information.

What should you submit for your application?

A one page cover letter briefly describing you, your
film, the status of your production, and whose umbrella you are working
under (university, media center, etc.), if an umbrella organization
exists.

A treatment or synopsis of the film of no more than
one page.

A copy of your script.

A copy of your budget (be realistic, truthful, and
specific!). Note, if your budget is $100,000, but of that $90,000 is
really 'in kind' then we really only want to see the $10,000 budget
which is cash.

A copy of your production schedule, noting where,
when and for how long you will be shooting. This must be specific, so
that we can schedule various applicants' needs. If you have not yet
locked your shoot dates, you may still apply, but we cannot guarantee
that we will be able to meet your schedule when you confirm it.

Resume/Bio/Filmography of the key members of the
crew: Director, Director of Photography, Designer, Editor, Producer;
anyone you feel should be included. Remember the success of your
project is largely in the hands of your key crew.

If you are a student, a letter from your faculty
confirming your status. If you are working through a media arts center,
a letter from the center confirming the status of your project. If you
are completely independent this is not a requirement.

Letters of vendor support for goods and services, if
available.

Samples of previous relevant work. This may be
submitted in any format: Photographs, slides, 1/2" or 3/4" tapes.
(optional)

Location photos and/or storyboards for this film.
(optional)

All printed materials must be submitted on 8.5x11 white
paper, printed on one side only. Submissions will not be returned
(except as noted). Please include two copies of items #1,#2, #4 and #5.
If you want items # 9 & #10 returned, you must include
packaging and postage or a FedEx airbill. Incomplete proposals may not
be fully reviewed, and therefore are less likely to receive an
equipment grant. Also, the earlier you submit your application, the
more likely we will be able to meet your exact scheduling needs. We
recommend that you submit your application 3 months prior to your
production start date. We will inform you of the possibility of
receiving a grant as soon as your proposal has been reviewed. Effort
will be made to notify you at least 30 days prior to your shooting
date. In order to properly administer the program, we must know of any
changes in your schedule as early as possible. Changes during your
production are unlikely to be accommodated, as another filmmaker will
probably be scheduled for the equipment after your shoot.

Business Documents

If you are selected for the grant program, you will need
to comply with a few business and technical requirements. The filmmaker
or the sponsoring organization will need to complete the standard
Oppenheimer Cine Rental Account Application packet, provide proof of
insurance, and make a damage deposit in the amount of the insurance
deductible. We will work with you or your sponsoring organization to
assure that these requirements are properly met.

Equipment Competence

Your camera assistant or camera operator must be
knowledgeable about the use of the Arri 16SR. We can offer you
assistance, if needed, in this matter. If you require instruction, we
can provide that at no charge at our Seattle location. Technical
competence is an absolute requirement for our equipment's sake and for
your film's technical success.

Equipment Insurance

Each filmmaker accepted into the program must furnish
proper proof-of-insurance to Oppenheimer Camera at least one week prior
to the equipment pick-up/ship date. Insurance must be provided both for
General Liability and for All-Risk Equipment Coverage. General
Liability Insurance naming Oppenheimer Camera as "Additional Insured"
-$1,000,000. Equipment Insurance: All Risk, Inland Marine type coverage
naming Oppenheimer Camera as Loss Payee in the amount of $150,000. If
additional equipment is rented to expand the package, higher insurance
limits may be required. If you do not have insurance through your
sponsoring organization we can connect you with several insurance
brokers or co-producing organizations who can write/supply appropriate
coverages. In addition to these insurance certificates, you will be
required to place a damage deposit with Oppenheimer Cine Rental for the
full amount of your insurance deductible. The deposit must be cash,
wire transfer, or certified check. This amount will be returned within
three days of the return of the equipment, providing there is no
missing or damaged equipment. There are no exceptions to these
insurance requirements, nor will they be altered or waived.

Finally, Oppenheimer Camera has a great interest in
continued tracking of the projects which we support. Toward that end,
the final requirement of the program is that you furnish us with a copy
of your finished production for our archives. The preferred format is a
DVCPRO50 or DVCPROHD dub. We can accept a Betacam, Betacam SP, or 3/4"
dub, but that will not show your work in its best light. If you provide
a 16mm film print, we will transfer it and return your print within two
weeks. Please remember that this is a competitive grant program. Your
application does not guarantee that you will be a recipient of one of
our grants. Good luck with your project.